Helsinki Court of Appeal begins Janne Puhakka murder appeal

The Helsinki Court of Appeal has commenced proceedings regarding the murder of former Finnish ice hockey player Janne Puhakka. The defendant, Norwegian national Rolf Nordmo, was previously sentenced to life imprisonment by the Western Uusimaa District Court for the October 2024 killing in Espoo.

Nordmo has appealed the murder conviction, admitting to the killing but arguing that the act should be classified as manslaughter rather than murder. His defense claims the violence occurred during a brief, uncontrolled outburst triggered by extreme stress, financial difficulties, and the emotional impact of their separation.

Prosecutors maintain the charge of murder, citing the brutal nature of the attack, which involved shooting Puhakka with a shotgun and subsequently striking him in the head with the weapon. They also point to messages sent by Nordmo prior to the incident as evidence of premeditation. Puhakka, a prominent figure in the Finnish sports community and a Pride ambassador, was 29 years old at the time of his death.